Gingerbread is a classic spiced cake with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, where ginger and other warming spices were prized for both flavor and preservation. This simple, old-fashioned version highlights the deep, rich sweetness of molasses paired with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The result is a moist, tender crumb with a comforting, slightly earthy flavor that feels especially fitting in cooler months. Unlike modern frosted cakes, this gingerbread is rustic and straightforward, often enjoyed plain or with a touch of whipped cream. Its enduring appeal lies in its balance of sweetness and spice, making it a timeless staple for home bakers.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup buttermilk (or sour milk)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp mixed spices (cloves, nutmeg, allspice)
- 1 ¼ cups flour (not sifted)
- ½ tsp baking soda (dissolved in a small amount of cold milk, added last)
- ½ cup nuts (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Molasses
- Mix in the molasses until smooth.
Step 4: Add Liquids
- Stir in the buttermilk (or sour milk).
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and mixed spices.
Step 6: Mix Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts evenly throughout the batter.
Step 7: Add Baking Soda
- Dissolve baking soda in a small amount of cold milk and stir into the batter last together with the nuts.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F / 175°C) for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor.
- Use dark molasses for a deeper, more robust taste.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
- Pair with a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg
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